Watching the parade of baggage and suitcases trundling along, I began to muse: What if these suitcases had feelings?

Do they get scared when they leave the check-in counter and are pushed down a long narrow tunnel into the unknown? Are they anxious about whether they’ll make their flight, and where they’re headed? Do they ever doubt whether they’ll reach their destination?

Do they wonder: “What am I but another piece of luggage on an endless line?” Do they have moments of self-loathing: “I’m so fat and heavy,” or jealousy: “Wow, that's a real great carrier over there!” or “Hey, that guy made it to priority class, while I have to schlep along with the rest?”

Do they feel violated when they’re opened up by security and handled by strangers? Do they rejoice when they finally meet a familiar face who will pick them up? Are they relieved when they’re finally able to snuggle comfortably in the cab trunk?

We recognize our luggage by its exterior shape, color and appearance (they often look so identical), but that’s only superficial. The baggage we carry is full of valuable contents, for it’s what’s inside that counts.

They may seem lost in the plane’s massive compartment underneath, but back home, each suitcase gets lots of personal attention.

Preparing a suitcase is like sending yourself a care package. Every item is folded and arranged with love and care. We carefully sort and choose what’s important to take along, and what can be left behind. We try to protect and position the valuable, fragile things, dismissing unnecessary “extras” with excess weight that can cost us bureaucratic haggles.

As I prepare on Rosh Hashanah for the New Year, I take stock of my inventory. What’s put inside me is what I will have when I arrive. Is it all good? Will it remain in place? Or will it get creased and dislodged en route? If it does, will it survive? And yes, the security check is part of the process, monitoring that everything inside is safe.

At times I'm that piece of luggage, sitting on the continually turning carousel of time.

I'm just one among countless fellow travelers, but I make all the difference to the people who know me. I belong to somebody, and someone awaits my arrival.

At times I feel homeless and misplaced, wondering where will I end up? I may find myself alone, but I trust I am going in the right direction even on the longest journey.

I book all my travels with Divine Providence.

G-d welcomed me at check in, and I feel secure in His Omnipresent system as I chart my course. Even if I get lost, I know He’ll to get me back on track.

Some aspects of life’s journey are out of my hands: lazy baggage handlers, power failures, delayed flights. We may encounter turbulence. But, thank G-d, I’m packed with morals, values and lessons, so I’m ready to go!

Mendel Cohen is on the Chabad.org editorial staff.